The finance ministry has sent four senior officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) into retirement, citing public interest, amid escalating tensions over recent reforms and internal protests.

In notifications issued today, the Internal Resources Division (IRD) announced the retirement of Hossain Ahmed, member for customs policy and ICT; Md Alamgir Hossain, member; Md Abdur Rouf, member for VAT policy; and Sabbir Ahmed, tax commissioner of Barishal.

The move follows the suspension of Md Zakir Hossain, commissioner of Chattogram Custom House, who was accused of participating in a protest that disrupted official activities.

The IRD said all four had completed 25 years of service and were retired under government authority in the public interest.

Their removal comes in the wake of a strike on 28–29 June, staged by NBR officials under the banner of the NBR Reform Unity Council. The strike halted operations at customs houses, VAT, and tax offices nationwide, affecting trade.

The protesters demanded the removal of the NBR chairman, representation in a tax reform panel, and an end to what they described as “vengeful transfers.”

The unrest was triggered by a government ordinance issued on 12 May, which dissolved both the NBR and the IRD, replacing them with the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission has launched investigations into 11 NBR officials over corruption allegations.